I returned to the abbey, I found I was in the best possible time--the
garrison being reduced to about a dozen, and they so weakened and
tired out with the constant worrying work they had had, that I was
myself a complete match for any two of them. In a few days the number
was only four, and in other two days I was sole lord and master.

[He then returns to town.]

At a friend's house, in Berkeley Square, where I met a distinguished
party, a scene took place, just such as Pope describes--

Our courtier walks from dish to dish;
Tastes, for his friend, of fowl and fish:
"That jelly's rich, that malmsey's healing,
Pray dip your whiskers and your tail in."
Was ever such a happy swain?
He stuffs, and swills, and stuffs again.
"I'm quite ashamed--'Tis mighty rude
To eat so much; but all's so good!
I have a thousand thanks to give,
My lord alone knows how to live."--
No sooner said, but from the hall
Rush chaplain, butler, dogs, and all:
"A r--t, a r--t! clap to the door!"--

I, however, made good my exit, and was nothing the worse of a
practical warning to be more cautious in future.

It would be endless for me to describe all my after voyages and
travels. Suffice it to say, I have been both east and west, north